Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the name given to a range of technologies that exhibit some characteristics of human intelligence. For technologists, the benefit of AI is not that it can behave like humans can, instead it is about using it to complete a task more efficiently.

Machine learning, a technology often characterised as AI is used to make predictions and conclusions on the basis of data. Machines do not “learn” as humans do. But they can be engineered to adapt to complex changing environments.

At Data61, we write programs that learn to improve themselves using vast amounts of data and in some cases, not much data at all.

We act as a network and partner with government, industry and universities, to advance the technologies of AI in many areas of society and industry. Central to the wider deployment of these advanced technologies is trust, and much of our work is motivated by maximising the trustworthiness of these new technologies. (See Our Science Vision)

From emergency detection to better management of a city’s infrastructure – we’re working with our partners to solve today’s problems, and build a safer and more efficient future for the next generation.

Dr Fang Chen has developed a failure prediction tool which helps to prioritise the selection of pipes to assess for maintenance.

Dr Fang Chen has developed a failure prediction tool which helps to prioritise the selection of pipes to assess for maintenance.

Explore our work in AI and Machine Learning

Water pipe failure prediction

We’re working with more than 30 utilities from around the world to develop data-driven predictive analytics technology that accurately predicts pipe failure.Our technology equips utilities with the ability to better target repair and renewal programs, reduce operational costs of unexpected failure, and minimise the disruption to water supplies and the community.

Advanced analytics in transport

We use analytics backed by machine learning to drive valuable insights into transport systems, leveraging data from surveys, traffic control system, transit system and telecommunication systems. That allows us to provide highly accurate, real-time information services and improve business efficiency.

Structural health monitoring

Our cities are full of tremendous resources like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and authorities invest a lot of expenditure on reactive repairing for their failures. We’re using advanced machine learning techniques to extend the service life of assets, provide a predictive maintenance approach and provide decision support for infrastructure owners.

Bushfire prediction with Spark

Bushfires are complex processes, making it difficult to accurately predict their progress across the landscape. Spark, our software platform, uses simulation science to predict the future location of bushfires and the spread of those already burning. Spark can be used for real-time modelling of fire spread by emergency management decision makers for predicting risk, deploying firefighting resources or planning evacuation routes.

Smart data acquisition with Determinant

New data is expensive to collect, and can be a challenge to store. How can you make a decision using sparse data and under uncertainty? Determinant is a software platform that uses active learning to make accurate predictions. The platform also validates its uncertainty, using Bayesian machine learning algorithms to give robust estimates of its own confidence in predictions. This enables users to make better decisions with explicit risk/reward trade-offs.

A map of Australian Local Government Areas (LGAs) predicting the outcome of a survey taken only in Victoria. The prediction is a measure of average job satisfaction (purple is higher), and uncertain predictions are represented with transparency.

Determinant can be used to select which local government area to sample next to best reduce uncertainty of the model.

Determinant can be used to select which local government area to sample next to best reduce uncertainty of the model.

Platforms for Open Data

Ensuring that data is properly de-identified is essential for release as open data. . We’ve working with the Australian government on a variety of projects to prepare data for machine learning and analytics, while respecting the privacy and ethical constraints around the use of that data.

Privacy Preserving Analytics

Much of the opportunity for generating value from data via machine learning is restricted by rules about sharing information between organisations. Our partners are investing in our distributed encrypted machine learning technology to enable new standards in privacy and security. Our technology enables the extraction of value from multiple data sets without violating either the privacy, or the rules governing privacy.

Commercialising our research

Hivery is cloud-based artificial intelligence software that takes retail data from vending machines, stores and analyses it over a period of time and then prescribes the optimimum storage configuration of goods based on the location and usage of the vending machine. It was the first technology to be commercialised by Data61. Hivery now also uses artificial intelligence to design retail outlets, enhance shelf optimisation as well as plan elements of promotional campaigns such as price and product bundles based on patterns and behaviours.

Tomorrow's Digitally Enabled Workforce

The advances in AI technology will unquestionably have impacts on society. Data61 has recently published a foresight study that attempts to understand what those changes might mean for work and employment over the next 20 years.